Category Archives: Trayvon Martin Trial

At first glance, that seems like a really pointless question. We know without a doubt that George Zimmerman pulled the trigger and shot Trayvon Martin. But the question isn’t about a trial verdict. It’s about racial profiling. Was Zimmerman profiling Martin? Of course he was. The question is why?

In spite of how white people are portrayed in the ratings starved media, and by race baiting politicians, I was never taught at any time in my childhood that I was to fear or hate black men. No white person I know in my circle of friends or acquaintances was ever taught this. I cannot name a single person who honestly believes, whether in public or private, that black people, simply by virtue of the color of their skin, are intellectually or morally inferior to whites. Yet, I have to admit, that when I see a black man in baggy pants, and hip hop chains, arrogantly swaggering through the parking lot, I hold my purse closer and quicken my steps to my car or store entrance. If I ask myself why this is, if I truly examine my feelings and ask my self is it only because he is black, I can honestly and without reservation answer no. Why? Because if I saw a white or hispanic kid dressed the same way and displaying the same attitude, I would react the same way because both would seem to be punks looking for trouble. If a saw a black man taking his toddler by the hand and walking across that same parking lot, or a wearing a suit standing on the sidewalk, or walking out of a church, I would have no fear of these men. When my black neighbor, who happens to be a successful business man, has a barbecue in his back yard, I don’t give the black people coming to and from his house a second look, because none of these people look or act threatening in any way. Did I profile these people? Of course I did. Whether we want to admit it or not, all of us, regardless of our race, profile. We all observe the people around us and determine whether or not they are a threat to our safety. George Zimmerman was profiling when he, based on the fact that several crimes in the area had been committed by young black men, felt Trayvon, someone he didn’t recognize as living in the area, was suspicious. Trayvon was profiling when he was suspicious of a “creepy ass cracker” following him. In both cases, both men viewing each other as suspicious, was a reasonable reaction.

Why are young black males so often perceived as a threat? It’s the elephant in the room that nobody wants to name or talk about. It’s the culture of violence so many of them choose to live in. Every Rapper who has ever sung the praises of killing cops, beating women, and stealing from “whitey”, shares the responsibility for Trayvon’s death. Every young black man who thinks raping a woman is “just having a little fun”, and killing someone for his expensive clothes isn’t wrong, it’s evening the score, shares the guilt. Every gang-banger who has ever participated in a drive by shooting, or armed robbery has Trayvon’s blood on his hands. For it wasn’t the color of their skin, it was the words and actions of these people who caused George Zimmerman to view a young black man, his head covered with a hoodie, who was doing nothing wrong and had every right to be there, with suspicion.

We are longing to welcome young black men into society. They are free to become, whatever they dream to be. There are black businessmen, lawyers, and teachers. There are black astronauts, scientists, and neurosurgeons. We have a black President. But are these men, who became successful because they valued education, and hard work, the role models for many young black men? No, they are seen as sellouts and “Uncle Toms”. Instead, many young black men look to gang leaders and drug dealers, people who attain their wealth from committing crimes, as their source of inspiration. This is a truth that the black community has to come to terms with. If they want to protect their sons from being perceived as dangerous, they can no longer ignore it. And no amount of governmental aid, political correctness or white guilt will change it. It is a cultural shift, the black community must achieve for itself. The black community needs to listen to the white perspective without the filter of perceived racism, just as much as the white community needs to listen to them.

In this light, I am proud of the reaction of the Sanford community. Their anger and disappointment at the verdict is understandable, their restraint commendable. The grace and dignity of Trayvon’s parents is an example for us all. Let the healing begin.

As the George Zimmerman trial gets underway, there have been cries throughout the country for “justice for Trayvon. What we all should be asking for is justice period. I’m hoping that the trial will answer some of the questions I have about what really happened that night. Zimmerman was obviously beaten. I’d like to know why. For me it hinges on one thing. Who approached whom? If Zimmerman was actively following Trayvon it could be reasonably assumed that Trayvon was the one who felt threaten and he beat Zimmerman in an act of self-defense. On the other hand, if Zimmerman was simply observing Trayvon, then he was acting in self-defence. What troubles me about this trial is that before most of us had heard anything about this case, the media was already spinning it as the racially motivated killing of a poor, defenseless black child by a paranoid neighborhood vigilante. The evidence that was shown early in the case was carefully edited to fit this narrative. Time has given us a clearer perspective. Zimmerman is not simmering with a deep-seated hatred of blacks. Yet, he is not a likable character. A cop wannabe, he lost a lot of credibility when he and his wife lied about their financial status. Trayvon, however, was not a squeaky clean choirboy. He had a been suspended from school and had a history of smoking dope.

Equally troubling is how the race baiters (Jesse Jackson, Al Sharpton et. al.) wasted no time in using this tragedy for self promotion. Making sure the cameras were rolling, they posited their theory that Trayvon was killed because white people have an unreasonable fear of young black men who wear baggy pants and hoodies and listen to rap music. Nowhere in their call for a dialog on racial profiling was the admission that maybe, just maybe, young black men who fit that description are looked upon with suspicion because a disproportionate number of them are involved in violent crimes. Instead they stoked the dying embers of racial tension. So much so, that the fear of race riots has possibly caused the prosecution to resort to dirty tactics to ensure a conviction. This is in stark contrast to Travon’s parents. Good people who tried to do what was best for their troubled teen. They have turned their grief into action by setting up a charitable foundation. They continue to pray for peace, healing and justice.

I do have to wonder though, what if the evidence shows that Trayvon was the aggressor? What happens if Zimmerman is found innocent. Is justice really what is wanted here? Or is it vengeance? Regardless of the verdict, justice for George Zimmerman is justice for Trayvon, too.

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Middleagedhousewife

Mama Says

”Our culture has accepted two huge lies. The first is that if you disagree with someone’s lifestyle, you must fear them or hate them. The second is that to love someone means you agree with everything they believe or do. Both are nonsense. You don’t have to compromise convictions to be compassionate.”
~~Rick Warren

Pray for Our Nation

2 Chronicles 7:14New International Version (NIV)
14 if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land.
Ephesians 6:10-18New International Version (NIV)
The Armor of God
10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11 Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. 12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. 13 Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. 14 Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, 15 and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. 16 In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. 17 Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.
18 And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people.

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